The best camping near Land O'Lakes State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Land O'Lakes State Forest adventure.

100% (1 reviews)

Discover the natural charm of Land O'Lakes State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Land O'Lakes State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Land O'Lakes State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Land O'Lakes State Forest

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Harvest Loon Camp

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Outing, MN

📌Update: Cabin now complete with an indoor shower and toilet. ❄Cabin is now available year-round. 🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2,000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin. ⛵Lake public access is located at the end of the cabin driveway. Kayaking State Land surrounds Harvest Loon Camp for peace and relaxation. 🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking and quads make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun. 😊Radiant heat, wood stove, air conditioning and fans. 🔥Wood available for use with woodstove and campfires. 🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide own bedding, (pillows, linens, blankets) for twin bunk, twin daybed and trundle and queen sized bed depending on sleeping needs. Also bring your own towels. 🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator for your use. 🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles. 🦆 This location is also perfect for horseback riding.

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The Hamlet Lake Homestead

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Deerwood, MN

The Hamlet Lake homestead is our 10-acre family home with two unique and private hip-camp sites. The Hamlet Lake Bunkhouse is located to the west of our home in its own secluded parcel next to the lake. The Camp on Hamlet Hill is to the north of our home, on a remote flat hill at the top of our property, on a hill over Cedar brook. with 300-acre, (private) Hamlet Lake in front, and the wide portion of the 20-mile Cedar brook in the back. We are a large "homesteading" family, with chickens, ducks, and a garden. The campsite is a private 1/2 acre clearing, surrounded by woods with a firepit, grill, cooking utensils, and an outhouse. (Tents are available for a small additional cost). There is an outdoor water pump below the hill. Guests can access the waterfront and beach in front, with the use of the swim raft, lily pad, fishing dock, canoe, kayak, and paddle boards included. At nearly 100 feet deep, Hamlet lake also boasts excellent fishing. Our home is located 6 miles from Crosby, with the world-class Cuyuna Lakes 50-mile mountain bike trail system. Crosby is a growing tourist town with many new and unique restaurants, outdoor adventures, and shopping opportunities. The paved bike trail begins 3.5 north of us. Milacs lake is 10 miles to the south.

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The Forest Container

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Deerwood, MN

Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is all of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼

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Wise Woods on Fool Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · MN

Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature! **November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use. Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/ Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/ Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity

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Two Rivers RV and Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · La Prairie, MN

Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature with your family at Two Rivers RV & Campground! Our Campground is located on over 50 acres at the confluence of the Mississippi and Prairie Rivers. A forest of mixed hardwoods and conifers cover the area, housing an abundance of wildlife including deer, bald eagles, porcupines, rabbits, chipmunks and many others. Wild blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries grow seasonally on the forest floor. The tall bluff along the river allows beautiful views of the river. The river has abundant fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. The Prairie River and Mississippi River offer great opportunities for boating and fishing. Anglers will find Walleye, Northern Pike, Catfish, Large and Small mouth Bass among other species. Birders enjoy viewing Bald Eagles, Hawks, Ducks, Geese and many other species from the trails of the park.

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Velkommen to Norske Camp!

5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Backus, MN

I bought this land near Pine River in August 2018. I wanted to have my own hunting land and something that was close to town and trails. A property that had a potential of multi-recreational use for people to enjoy while visiting. There are about 40 acres of county land surrounding three sides of the property. The main trail on my land goes thru the majority of the county land and loops back connecting to my main trail again.

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Paul’s Lakeside Cottage

2 sites · Lodging36 acres · Park Rapids, MN

Very Quiet, Peaceful, Private, Off the Grid, Dark Sky, Wooded 36 acre+ homesteaded property with nice lakeshore guest cottage. Close to Itasca State Park, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset, Walker or Bemidji for Good Music, Food and Fun! Dock space for smaller fishing boats and close to many area lakes. Close to the North Country National Scenic Trail for some great hiking. Or just stay put here in nature amongst its non-human inhabitants. We look forward to meeting YOU! 😎Paul+Piper🐕

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Sunset Pines MN

71 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Backus, MN

Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen

Booked 3 times

Dad's Piece of Heaven

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Deerwood, MN

Lake front property with crystal clear water. Great for snorkeling and swimming. Excellent fishing. We offer pontoon rental and kayak rental. No outside boats or kayaks permitted. We want to keep our lake safe. Small campers can park near the water. Large campers on the driveway. We do not offer bathroom facilities at this time so please have a bathroom in your camper. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/small-town-comes-alive-autumn-mn/?fbclid=IwAR34l0_A3XDuSJl3Vss6F8iDC_yjJrmgdfsTijdftdtOp7a4CIrsWulvIek_aem_Abx1r4nmTDT9xKAvkVcU1XdIIFcL5FYapo9nPFR5v4QbXtbx7f2I1S8hVsLiXDAjjX4

Booked 2 times

Rolling Hills Resort-RV Sites

14 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · Garrison, MN

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Rolling Hills Resort, a hidden gem nestled on 100 private acres of lush woodland, gracing the shores of the picturesque Smith Lake. Our serene location is the perfect getaway for fishing enthusiasts, offering a bountiful catch of Bass, crappies, Bluegills/Sunfish, Northern, and Walleye in the 679-acre lake. For thrill-seekers, the nearby Pine Center Trails offer a thrilling 23‑mile trail system with a variety of terrains to challenge riders of all levels. If you crave a mountain biking experience, Crosby, just 15 miles away, boasts a 30-mile trail network within the 800-acre Cayuna County State Recreation Area. This area also offers unique activities such as scuba diving and trout fishing. With over 1000 acres of public land adjoining our resort, nature walks and hiking are popular activities among our guests. For golfing enthusiasts, a selection of five golf courses are located within a few miles, with many more just an hour's drive away.

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Winding Woods on Pine River

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Crosby, MN

Located on the Pine River just minutes from Crosby/Ironton with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The land is quiet and calm. River is clear and varies in depth depending on the season. The Pine River State Water Trail flows gently through the jack pine forests and quiet water of west central Minnesota. The lake and hill country in this area illustrate classic glacial land forms. With easy access to a public launch and within a half mile of the Mississippi River it is a perfect spot for exploring some of Minnesota's greatest waterways, lakes and forests. Property backs up to privately owned conservation land. Site is mostly primitive with electricity available. Outhouse bathroom. Access to property is through a unpaved wrap around driveway. This is northern Minnesota in the Forest on a River so please be prepared for bugs and bring the appropriate clothing and bug spray/netting etc. We recommend Deep Woods with Deet! Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, Ironton and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening overlooking the river is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, water and nature surrounding you. Pack in and pack out trash/recycling. Keep the forest and animals safe! Please be respectful of the property and the neighbors/neighborhood. Keep all vehicles and campers off the newly installed drain field and buried septic tank. When leaving please take all trash/recycling with you so it doesn't end up in the water or feeding the wildlife. :) Enjoy the amazing area! **Please note there is no running water available (well pump not currently working). This is the forest in northern Minnesota so please be prepared for native insects! Snow removal will NOT be provided during the winter. Access to the site may be very difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake & Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/ Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/ Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, Minnesota. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity

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RV There Yet Campground

19 sites · RVs80 acres · Akeley, MN

The 80-acre property is carved out of a Norway pine plantation. Sites are approximately 10,000 square ft. in size with about 50 ft. of trees between each site for semi-privacy. We have tried to maintain a balance of nature while making the sites as RV friendly as possible. Although the property is located in the country, it is located along a state highway for easy access and there are three towns and many amenities and recreational venues within 15 minutes drive. Currently no hook-ups, but there is a yard hydrant and dump station. There are also portable restrooms on site. More details at https://rvthereyetcampground.com/

The best camping near Land O'Lakes State Forest guide

Overview

About

Land O’Lakes is in the house! No, not the butter—unless you brought some to slather on your pancakes at the Baker and White Oak Lake Campground.

This forest is where you go to work off that butter. There is no shortage of physically demanding activities to get your blood pumping, both on land and water. You can row around the lakes until you can’t feel your arms and hike until your legs feel like jelly. When that happens, you’ve earned yourself a relaxing afternoon chilling in a hammock in the solitude area at Washburn Lake. Our eyes are starting to droop just thinking about it.

Notable campgrounds

The Walter Stark Horse Campground – A favorite among equestrian campers, offering scenic trails and serene spots to rest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the Walter Stark Horse Campground is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Check for updates on campground improvements to plan your visit when the facilities are at their best.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for a quieter camping experience.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during peak seasons.

When to go

The best time to visit Land O'Lakes State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings lush greenery, but also more visitors and potential heat. Winter can be serene but chilly, with some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
Always prioritize safety by preparing for the natural terrain and weather conditions.
Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest, so plan accordingly.
While the eastern loop of the campground remains open, be aware of intermittent construction on the western loops.
Contact the park directly for the most current information on available amenities and closures.